Guide to Building Support for Your Tribal Library

A toolkit for getting the support you need from people who are in a position to help you and the library.

Four Ways to Win Support

Use every opportunity to tell people what’s going on in the library. Never assume that others understand what the tribal library does or what it takes to do it.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for support. Most people who don’t use the library appreciate its role and wish to support it.

Don’t do this alone. Your message is most powerful when others speak up for you.

Be generous. Giving is just as important as receiving

Make the Library the Heart of the Community.

It’s easier to get people to support the library when they know that the library is working hard to meet the community’s needs. You may be located in the oldest BIA building on the reservation, but you can become known for your excellent service, your outreach programs, your willingness to host community meetings, your memorable summer reading programs and your commitment to serve. The tribal library should be THE source that people go for information, resources, and answers.

Start now. Don’t wait for a crisis.

Let your local tribal government know that the library is theirs. Go out of your way to welcome them and inform them about how the library can help them in their official duties. Irving Nelson, Program Supervisor, Office of Navajo Nation Library